Key Red Bull chief set to leave Formula 1 champions amid Christian Horner scandal
He's the mastermind behind Max Verstappen's success.
Adrian Newey, the man largely credited with Red Bull’s dominance of Formula 1, is reportedly set to announce his departure from the team soon.
The chief technical officer will leave Red Bull after 18 years amid the controversy and fallout of the Christian Horner scandal.
Team principal Horner was investigated after a female employee of Red Bull accused him of ‘inappropriate behaviour’, with texts and images related to the probe leaked to the media and F1 personnel.
The 50-year-old, husband of former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, was cleared but the complainant has appealed that decision.
The saga has triggered a civil war within Red Bull and lead to much speculation over the future of their star driver and three-time world champion Max Verstappen.
As for Newey, it was reported back in March that he was ‘unhappy’ with the ongoing power struggle and that he felt he was being pushed out of the team with whom he has enjoyed so much success.
The 65-year-old is an F1 legend, with cars that he’s designed winning 13 drivers’ titles and 12 constructors’ titles since 1992, with this year’s RB20 likely to join that list after winning four of the five opening races.
German outlet Auto Motor und Sport now report that Newey has had enough with the power struggle and has made the decision to leave Red Bull at the end of 2024.
His contract – worth around £10million-a-year – expires at the end of 2025 however, which could complicate matters.
This news will put the rest of the grid on high alert, with a man of Newey’s talents valued as highly, if not more highly than most drivers.
Christian Horner investigation - what we know
- Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was under investigation over allegations of 'inappropriate behaviour'.
- Allegations made by female employee of Red Bull concern Horner's ‘strict and controlling work regime’.
- Horner said he 'fully denies any accusations', and was reportedly 'shocked and disturbed' by the allegations.
- 50-year-old is married to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell.
- Halliwell said to be in 'floods of tears' over investigation but will stand by her husband despite warnings of a potential 'toxic tinge'.
- Hearing has been held into the matter, with independent lawyer handing in a 150 page dossier to Red Bull.
- Horner was cleared of allegations on eve of new F1 season with Red Bull saying: 'The investigation is complete and the grievance has been dismissed. The complainant has a right of appeal.'
- WhatsApp messages and images supposedly between Horner and the complainant were leaked to the media and F1 personnel - Metro have seen the material but cannot comment on what they detail.
- Horner has met with F1's CEO and the FIA president following the leaked messages, which have left Halliwell 'stunned and humiliated'.
- Jos Verstappen, father of Red Bull driver and F1 champion Max, has called for Horner to be sacked, saying team would 'explode' if he stayed.
- Jos had a 'blazing row' with Horner at the Bahrain Grand Prix and his comments have fuelled speculation that Max could leave Red Bull.
- Tensions are said to be very high at Red Bull between Horner, the owners, the Verstappen and key personnel , but Horner insists the whole team are united and focused solely on racing.
- The female employee has been suspended on full pay by Red Bull and reports suggest she will appeal the outcome of the investigation.
Ferrari especially are desperate to hire him, with Frederic Vasseur attempting to assemble the best personnel on the grid in an effort to end the Scuderia’s title drought.
That of course includes Sir Lewis Hamilton, who is joining from Mercedes in 2025, and Newey has previously expressed regret at not having worked with either Ferrari or the seven-time world champion.
‘Working with Fernando [Alonso] and Lewis would have been fabulous. But it never happened. It’s just circumstance sometimes, that’s the way it is,’ he said last September.
Additionally, Aston Martin are also very interested in his services and having just extended Alonso’s contract until 2026, that opportunity may still come for Newey.
Sky Sports add that Red Bull are not aware that Newey wants out and would put him on gardening leave until the end of his contract in order to stop other teams from signing him.
The 2024 F1 season continues on 5 May with the Miami Grand Prix.
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